Get to know… Scott Thomas

There are so many well-intentioned and good people on our local music scene, good people with good hearts who are supportive and loyal and dependable to a fault. None more so than Scott Thomas. Thomas, one of the most talented drummers our region has produced, has a long history of good music projects, from Punchin' Judy and Omega Tribe to Hearts Gone South and Black Hollow. He's played metal, heavy rock, old-time country, pop, skiffle and more - you name it, he's done it. Always in demand and always in good form. But he isn't always in demand simply because of his talent - Scott is one of the best people I've ever had the pleasure of meeting. Through hardships and health issues, he has remained positive and always greets friends with the greatest smiles and hugs and kind words - and he is an amazingly talented guy behind a drum kit. Scott has taken some time off from playing music, but before he did, he seemingly played with everyone. Always a project in the studio or on the road, always pushing the envelope musically and always making those around him feel comfortable, included and happy. He and his wonderful wife, Lori, constantly make the effort to attend and support local music, spreading the word and spreading the love and always putting a smile on faces like mine. Good people. To a fault. Can't wait to see him playing again. Saying all these nice things about Scott will still fall short of letting you know how good a drummer he is, you'd have to experience a show and feel the visceral beat for yourself - I swear he could probably play the largest stages in the region with no amplification. He is solid, reliable and a literal backbone in any project he's been a part of. Spend a few moments with our questionnaire and get to know Scott Thomas. When did you decide music was going to be a big part of your life, and how did you first get involved? "My father played guitar and mandolin in local bluegrass and country bands, I can remember enjoying music from a young age. I wanted to play guitar at first, but for whatever reason the drums spoke to me." Is your current project a first, or have you been involved in other things? "I've been involved in a few different things over the years, ha ha!! I'm currently working with Wilson and the Walk, which is a great rock band that has an album due out this year and I also play in a heavier band called Black Hollow with some other local luminaries, Pat Carter and Mike Stephenson. Over the years, I was in Punchin' Judy, Omega Tribe, Hearts Gone South out of Asheville, and many others I'm forgetting on this moment." What is it about music that makes you want to perform or be involved? "It's the creative process of playing original music, it's a thing inside of me that I have to get out! That's what makes me keep doing this." How would you describe your music? "Wilson and the Walk is a straight rock band, there might be some stoner rock elements to it, but it's pretty straightforward. Black Hollow is a heavier rock band that Adam Goodson, the guitar player, had started and all of us came into at different points." Is this something you see yourself doing as a career? "No, not anymore. As you know, I've been battling with cancer for the last year and a half or so and, up until recently, I've had to put music on the back burner. But I'm slowly getting back into it now." What are your other interests? Do you have any surprise talents or hobbies? "I like books, journaling, sports, movies and podcasts." Who are your influences/favorites (worldwide and local) "This is a tough one! My first local influences were Mark Ryalls and James Hensley from Stinky Finger, I love Chris from Scull Soup, BJ from GOV, I could name a lot more! As far as worldwide I could write 50 names easily. I've really tried to learn from everyone I've came in contact with, a lot of the parts I've played were from other people, either a fill I heard or a suggestion a band member. As far as favorites, right now I really enjoy Wyndrider, Godsize, Coffin Smoke, Lucille Klement, Vespers, Generation of Vipers, Ahab, Kowloon Walled City, and Queens of the Stone Age." If you could tell people one thing they should know about you, what would it be? "I really enjoy philosophy! Reading and talking about it." How can people contact you about booking and information? "You can find me under Scott Thomas on facebook, and @drummer_scott on instagram."